It won't be hard to find her, considering The Chili Parlor will operate at 820 S. Ninth St., home of JOE ROGERS' ORIGINAL RECIPE CHILI PARLOR. The landmark business — which Rogers' father opened in 1945 as The Den — closed unexpectedly in April.

The business had been operated by Ric and Rose Hamilton, who were buying it under contract from Rogers. Ownership returned to Rogers in May after the Hamiltons were unable to fulfill the contract for deed.

Rogers said that while she technically owns “The Den” and “Joe Rogers” names and logos, she is prevented from using them in Sangamon County at this time.

When searching for names, the only thing she wouldn't consider was adding another “L” to the chili spelling because “Dad wouldn't approve.”

More importantly, the beloved chili recipe that lets customers craft their favorite bowl down to the amount of heat and grease it contains remains unchanged.

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West side staple LUCA PIZZA has finally opened its doors on the east side.

Luca Pizza began serving its pie — by the slice or pan — at 2690 S. Dirksen Parkway last week. The unannounced opening came six months after the business first hung its sign in front of the former DI PIERO'S SICILIAN CUCINA.

District manager Vinnie Caro said the menu is identical to its west side sibling, although an expanded dinner menu is expected for the east side locale in the future.

Hours for the new site are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Phone: 679-3780.

Luca Pizza was among the original tenants at White Oaks Mall when the shopping center opened in 1977. The business moved to its current address, 2937 W. Iles Ave., in the early 1990s when the mall transitioned to a food court.

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Dinner is back at D & J'S CAFE.

The business at 915 W. Laurel St. restored evening hours for weeknights after eliminating them last year. New hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Page 2 of 2 - Friday night patrons can enjoy all-you-can-eat walleye with side dishes and drink for $8.95 from 4 to 8 p.m.

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Augie and Sharon Mrozowski have combed local farms — as well as picking plums and apricots themselves — in preparation for the Local Flavor dinner Thursday at AUGIE'S FRONT BURNER.

The special menu offers multiple selections of soups, salads and desserts, as well as entree choices of elk tenderloin, braised short ribs, herbed Cornish chicken and slow-roasted mojo pork.

Dinner hours begin at 5 p.m. Prices have yet to be finalized, but the normal Thrifty Thursday deal will not be available for this event. Reservations recommended. Phone: 544-6979.

Area providers include SUTTILL'S GARDEN and PRAIRIE CITY FARM, both of Springfield, GOOD EARTH in Lynnville, BRANCH OF THE OLIVE TREE GARDEN PRODUCE in Chatham and BUNN FARM in Pleasant Plains.

This event features pea soup with a Hefeweizen, grilled pork medallions with a Maibock and chocolate creme brulee with an oatmeal stout.

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RED LOBSTER is hosting an Adopt-A-Day blood drive Friday at the Central Illinois Community Blood Center. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE will be the featured business July 25.

Donors between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday will be entered to win a $15 gift certificate to the seafood restaurant. Blood donors July 25 will receive a $5 coupon off the purchase of two entrees.

The center is at 1134 S. Seventh St. To schedule an appointment, call 241-7550 or visit www.CICBC.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

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TEXAS ROADHOUSE and local law enforcement agencies are hosting a free lunch fundraiser July 25 for the Special Olympics at the chain's sites throughout Illinois.

The free meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a pulled pork sandwich, side dish, Roadhouse's signature bread with honey-cinnamon butter and a nonalcoholic drink.

Law enforcement officers will be available to collect donations that will go toward the Special Olympics Illinois. The event raised more than $63,000 in 2013 for the nonprofit organization.

Texas Roadhouse is at 2540 W. Iles Ave. in Springfield.

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A la Carte will be absent next week but will return July 27.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.